Imagine a dinner that's ready in just 25 minutes, packed with vibrant flavors, and so easy that even a novice cook can master it. Our Spinach Pesto Gnocchi is the ultimate weeknight lifesaver that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. With its creamy, emerald-green pesto coating pillowy gnocchi, this dish is about to become your new obsession – promising maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pesto by combining fresh spinach, pine nuts, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes or until the gnocchi float to the surface.
- While the gnocchi are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Drain the gnocchi, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Transfer the gnocchi to the skillet and add the fresh spinach pesto. Toss gently to coat the gnocchi evenly, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the spinach to slightly wilt.
- Remove from heat and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the vibrant green pesto and pillowy gnocchi.
Tips
- Toast your pine nuts beforehand for an enhanced, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Use fresh spinach for the brightest green color and most vibrant taste in your pesto.
- Reserve some pasta water – it's liquid gold for creating the perfect sauce consistency.
- Don't overcook the gnocchi; they're done as soon as they float to the surface.
- For a quick variation, try adding grilled chicken or crispy pancetta for extra protein.
- Use a food processor for the smoothest, most consistent pesto texture.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the gnocchi at its pillowy, saucy best.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 10mg
